One killed, four arrested as illegal miners clash with NAIMOS team in Atiwa Forest

One suspected illegal miner was killed and another injured after an exchange of gunfire with operatives of Operation GREEN SHIELD in the Atiwa Forest Reserve, according to prosecutors. Four individuals, comprising three Malians and a Ghanaian, were subsequently arrested following the confrontation. The incident unfolded on Monday, November 2, when the Army Special Operations Brigade ventured 10 kilometres into the forest to investigate a suspected illegal mining site detected via drone surveillance.

The foot patrol lasted from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and eventually led them to an area where around 50 suspected illegal miners were reportedly engaged in mining activities. Some of the miners reportedly attempted to flee upon noticing the security team; however, others fired upon the operatives, prompting the team to return fire. As a result, one of the suspected miners was killed, and another sustained injuries.

Two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation. The injured suspect was provided with first aid by the operatives and subsequently transported to Kyebi Government Hospital for further treatment. The four arrested suspects were then handed over to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further proceedings. No member of the enforcement team was reported to have been injured during the incident.